Mining apparatus



Oct-1, 1929.

C. F. OSGOOD MINING APPARATUS Filed April l2, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet Lm@ www@ am@ l w w w wu Q N A@ mi ,o i NJ@ NAN O un ULI fl f I :Il m n .C. mw J4 Mk wlw www 5% n@ Q kw N QN Km km Wr* www ww mm Q Cet. l, 1929. c, F, OSGOOD 1,729,798

MINING AFPARATUS Filed April 12, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 jtentecl Oct. 1i, 192g UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CHARLES F. OSGOOD, OF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS MINING APPARATUS Application nle April 12, 1.926. Serial No. 101,437.

This invention relates to mining apparatus and more particularly to mining apparatus of the room and pillar type wherein the cutting unit is adapted to be fed laterally relative to the coal face to cut a substantially horiZontal lerf thereunder. y

Mining machines of the ,continuous cutter room and pillar type are usually fed laterally by means of flexible feeding elements which extend laterally from the machine to the opposite ribs of the room. Such machines usually consist of a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom and having a forwardly projecting rigid cutter bar adapted to extend into the coa-l face to cut a substantially horizontal kerf thereunder. The feeding mechanism of such machines usually consists of a feed operating member or members carried by the machine and driven from the motor thereof, this motor also usually driving the cutting mechanism. The advance flexible feeding portion usually feeds the machine during the cutting operation, While the receding flexible feeding portion usually controls the inclination of the cutter bar relative to the coal face.

rIhe primary object of this invention is to provide an improved mining apparatus wherein the cutting unit is entirely separate from the feeding unit, the feeding unit being located during operation of the cutting unit, at a point remote from the coal face. Another object of this invention is to provide a mining machine of the flexibly fed7 continuous cutter, room and pillar type wherein the feeding mechanism for the machine is carried at all times on the transport truck for the machine. Yet another object of this invention is to provide an improved mining machine wherein the operation of the cutting mechanism is controlled at a point remote therefrom. Still another object of this in vention is to provide improved propulsion mechanism for the cutting unit transport truck. rlhese and other objects of this invention will, however, subsequently more fully appear.

This invention in one of its preferred embodiments may comprise a cutting unit adapted to slide on the mine bottom or relative to its transport truck and having feeding and controlling means therefor carried by its transport truck, the latter being located during the` cutting operation at a point remote from the coal face. More specifically this embodiment may comprise a self contained cutting unit having a machine frame slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom and 'this frame carries a driving motor which preferably is operatively connected through suitable transmission gearing to the cutter bit carrying cutter chain, the latter being adapted to be circulated about a projecting cutter bar. The cutting unitmay be propelled over the mine bottom by means of a separate propulsive mechanism carried by the transport truck for the cutting unit, the truck wheels also being driven from this propulsive mechanism. rlhis propulsive mechanism preferably comprises a plurality of independently controllable feed operating and controlling members with which flexible feeding elements cooperate. These feed operating and controlling members are preferably driven by a separate reversible driving motor which is entirely independent of the driving motor of the cutting unit.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown for purposes of illustration one form which my invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,- l

Fig. l is a plan view of the improved mining apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the mining apparatus shown in Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view of a portion of the controlling mechanism for the improved propulsive mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a central, longitudinally extending, vertical, sectional view through one of the winding drums of the propulsive mechanism, illustrating the driving and controlling means therefor.

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the improved mining apparatus while operating in a room.

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the transport truck of the improved mining apparatus in operative position in a room.

In this illustrative embodiment of my invention I have shown a transport truck generally designated 1 onwhich a cutting unit generally designated 2 is adapted to be supported for transport about the mine. As shown, the transport truck 1 'comprises a truck frame 3 supported on truck wheels 4 which are adapted to run along a trackway 5 in a well known manner. The axles of the truck wheels 4 are connected in operative driving relation by means of a chain and sprocket connection 6 and these wheels are adapted to be driven through a chain and sprocket connection 7 by means .of a propulsive mechanism generally designated 8, to be hereinafter described, suitably supported on therear end of the truck vframe 3. Suitably mounted on the vforward end of the truck frame 3 is a usual swivel plate 9 rotatableon a vertical axisand on which a usual tiltable guiding frame 10 is disposedthe frame 10 being hinged tothe swivel plate 9 by means of transverse pivots 11 and this guiding frame 10 is adapted to slidably receive and support the cutting unit 2 during transport.

u The improved propulsive mechanism 8 specicially comprises a supporting frame 12 rigidly secured in any suitable manner'to the truck frame 3 and this frame 12 supports a centrally located driving motor 13, herein preferably of the reversible electric type (see Fig 4), the motor 13 being held in rigid relation with respect to the frame by means of a suitable split clamp 14. As the driving and .controlling mechanism for each of the feeding and controllingdrums is. substantially identical, illustration and description of one .will suffice forboth. In accordance with4 this invention a pair of coaxially arranged'feed operating members, herein preferably in the form of winding drums 15and 16.v are provided and these drums are journaled on roller bearings as at 17 at their adjacent ends on the casing of the motor 13, while the remote ends of these drums each have secured thereto a transverse head member 18 having formed `integral therewith a stub shaft 19 journale'd meshing with the internal reaction gear 22.

As shown, the internal gear 22 is externally grooved at 31 and with it a suitable brake band. 32 cooperates. Each of the winding drums are also externally grooved at 33and with each a suitable brake band 34 cooperates. Secured to the hub 21 of the internal `the motor 13.

iframes 42) which is adapted to be wound on or unwound from' a usual cable reel 40 rotatably mounted on. a horizontal axis on brackets 41 suitably carried by the truck frame 3. This cable reel is adapted to be driven during truck movement through a chain and sprocket connection 42 connected to the rear truck axle and to a transversely. disposed horizontal shaft 43, the: latter having secured thereto', a pulley 44 which is connected through a belt connection 45 to a pulley 46 secured to the reel shaft 47. Disposed at opposite sides of the reel '40 are 4suitable ,connector plugs 48 to which branched. conductor cables 49 and 50 .are connected, the cable 49 leading to acontroller box 51 carried at the rear end of the truck frame so as to enable the operator to control'either forward or reverse rotation of the electricmotor 13 as by suitable mechanism controlled by a reverse lever 52. A conductor cable 53 connects the cont-rolling box 51 and The conductor cable leads to a controller box 54 carried at the rear end of .the truck frame, a cable 55 in turn connecting the controller box 54 withthe motor circuits ofthe cutting unit 2. Improved mechanismV is `provided for controlling the brake bands 32 and 34 for each of the winding drums 15.and 16. The controlling mechanism for the brake band 32 of the drum 15 comprises a toggle mechanism including a lever 56 connected through a link 57 (see Fig.

3) with a crank 58 having a hub portion keyed i i Ito a sleeve 59 rotatable on a horizontal axis extending transversely of the truck, the outer end of this sleeve having secured thereto an operating lever 60. The controlling mechanism for the brake band 34 of the drum. 15 comprises a toggle mechanism including a leve-r 61 connected through a link 62 to a crank 63, the latter being secured `to a shaft 64 arranged coaxially. with the sleeve 59, the

outer end of which has secured thereto an operating lever 65. As the controlling mechanisms for the brake bands 32 and34 of the ico drum 16 are substantially identical to those described in connection with the 4drum 15, further description of the same is considered unnecessary except to state that suitable operating levers 66 and 67 are provided Aat the side of the truck frame adjacent the levers and 65. Moreover, the controlling levers 60, 65, 66 and 67 and truck drive controlling I clutch 37 are locate'd in such manner as to enable the operator to control the operation of the propulsive mechanism 8 While on a suitable platform 68 suitably secured to the side of the truck frame 3. In accordance Wit-h this invention, disposed on opposite sides of the truck frame in advance of the propulsive vmechanism 8 are pivoted clamps 69 With Which adjustable supporting columns or jacks 70 (see Fig. 6) are adapted to cooperate, and these columns 70 have adjustable foot por tions which are adapted to engage the mino roof and mine bottom to rigidly secure the truck frame in position during the feeding of the cutting unit. It Will also be evident that vdisposed at opposite sides of the truck frame in advance of the Winding drums 15 and 16 are guide rolls or sheaves 71 and 72 rotatable on parallel vertical aXes and these sheaves guide the flexible feeding and controlling cables 73 and 74 during the various operations of the apparat-us. These feeding and controlling cables 73 and 74 cooperate respectively with the Winding drums 15 and 16.

The cutting unit 2 specifically comprises a machine frame 75 slidable on its bottom 76 on the mine bottom or relative to the guiding frame 10 of the transport track. Carried at the rear end of the frame 75 is a motor 7 7- having an armature 78 (see Fig. 2) rotatable on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine frame. Secured to the forward end of the armature shaft 78a is a bevel pinion 79 Which is meshed With a larger bevel gear 8() rotatable on a vertical axis. Rotatable with the gear 80 is a spur pinion 81 Which is meshed with a larger spur gear 82, the latter being suitably secured to the drive sprocket, not shown, for the cutter bit carrying cutter chain 83, the latter being adapted to be circulated about the outer edges of a plane cutter bar 84, the cutter bar being rigidly secured to the machine frame 75 and projecting forwardly therefrom. As shown, suitably secured at the opposite ends of the machine frame 75 and at opposite sides thereof are suitable connections herein preferably eye members 85 Wit-h which suitable connections are connectible, herein preferably in the form of hooks 86 secured to the free end of each of the cables 73 and 74.

The operation of this improved mining apparatus is as follows. The truck is propelled through the mine and into the room to be Worked by the motor 13 of the propulsive mechanism 8, it being understood that the sprocket 38 is connected to the shaft 36 by means of the clutch 37 at this time. During truck movement, the drum 15 is held against rotation by means of the brake band 34, the brake band 32 being releasedy at this time to permit the driving of the internal gear 22 through the transmission gearing including the gears 30 and 25. It is obvious that by slipping the brake bands the truck speed may be varied at Will. It Will herein also be noted that the direction of truck movement may be changed by reversing the motor 13 under t-he control of the reversing lever 52 of the controller boX 51. After the truck has entered the room the clutch 37 is thrown out, interrupting the driving connection bet-Ween the motor 13 and the truck Wheels. The columns are then positioned in the clamps 69 at the sides of the truck frame and upon suitable adjustment of the columns With respect to the mine roof .and bottom the truck is rigidly secured in position. The guiding frame 10 of the truck is then swiveled about its vertical axis on the sivivel plate 9 as shown in lP ig. 5. The feed cable 74 is then extended from the drum 16 about the adjacent guide rolls 71 and 72 and around a guide sheave carried by a roof jack A disposed adjacent the coal face at the right hand rib of the room. The free end of the cable 74 is then extended from the jack A and the hook 86 thereon is connected to the eye-member 85 disposed at the front end of the receding side of the cutting unit. The feeding cable 73 is extended from the drum 15 around the adjacent guide rolls 71 and 72 and around a guide sheave carried by a jack B disposed adjacent the face at the left hand rib of the room, the free end of the cable being extended from the ack B and the hook 86 thereon connected to the eyemember 85 disposed at the rear advancing corner of the cutting unit. The brake band 34 controlling the rotation of the drum 16 is released and the brake band 32 is suitably applied, holding the internal reaction gear 22 against rotation, thereby causing the drum 16 to Wind in the cable 74 and consequently moving the cutting unit 2 from the guiding frame to a point adjacent the face at the right hand rib of the room. During this positioning operation of the cutting unit 2, the brake band 32 controlling the driving of the drum 15 is released, the cable 73 being freely paid out from the drum 15 under the control of the brake band 34. The controlling lever of the controller box 54 is then manipulated by the operator, thereby causing actuation of the driving motor 7 7 of the cutting unit, consequently causing the cutter chain 83to be rapidly circulated about the cutter bar 84 in the usual manner. rlhe cutter bar of the cutting unit is then sumped into the coal by means of the feeding cable 74, the cable 73 controlling the position of the machine relative to the face. The operator then releases the brake band controlling the driving means for the drum 16 and suitably applies the brake band 32 holding the internal gear 22 against rota tion, thereby causing the drum 15 to be rotated and consequently Winding in the advance cable 73. r1`he jack A is then positioned as indicated by full lines in Fig. 5 and t-he cutting unit is then straightened fil' the drum brakes.

`cutting unit, and controlling means for up and fed transversely across the face by means ofl the feeding cable 7 3, the cable 74 controlling the inclination of the cutter bar relative to the face at that time. At the end of the transverse cut the cutter bar4 is Withdrawn from the face and returned to its transport ktruck in an obvious manner. It is obvious that the motor of the cutting unit may be reversed and the cutter bits reversed in their respective links for enabling the machine to cut from left to right if desired. It Will also be obvious that either of the feed cab-les 7 3, 74 may be extended from its respective Winding drum to a point in advance or in the rear of the transport truck ,and anchored at its free end to permit the drum to propel the truckv bodily on the trackway in opposite directions. The feeding cables may also be used to supplement the truck Wheel driving means When the truck is moving up .a steep incline. It Will further be obvious that either of the feeding cables may be used to lower the machine doivn an incline under the control of These and other operations of this mining apparatus Will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

As a result of this improved mining apparatus, it Will be noted that a cutting unit is provided of simple, light, and compact structure, While this cutting unit is fed during the various operations thereof by means of a propulsive mechanism carried at all times on the transport truck of the apparatus. It Will be noted also that an improved mining apparatus is provided wherein the feeding n'iechanisin and controlling mechanism for the cutting unit is controlled at a point remote from the Working' face', a feature which eliminates injury to the operator due to the falling of the roof at the face and which prevents eXplosions at the face due to arcing of the motor controller. These and other advantages of my invention vvill be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

Vhile I have in this application specifically described one form Which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form of the same is shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms Without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit having a driving motor, feeding means normally located at a place spaced materially from said cutting unit for feeding said cutting unit bodily relative thereto and laterally relative to the coal face, said feeding means being operable at a point remote from sait motor operable from a point adjacent said feeding means.

2. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit having kerf cutting mechanism, and feeding means for said cutting unit for feeding the latter bodily relative thereto and operable at a point remote therefrom, said feeding means including a plurality of separate feed operating members and advance and receding portions cooperating therewith for feeding and controlling mov-ement of said cutting unit during the cutting operation.

3. In a. mining apparatus, a cutting unit having kerf cutting mechanism, and feeding means for said cutting unit for feeding the latter bodilyrelative thereto and operable at a point remote therefrom, said feeding means including a plurality of independently operable feed operating members., and separate advance and receding liexible feeding elements cooperating therewith for feeding and controlling movement of said cutting unit dining the cutting operation.

4. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit, and feeding means for said cutting unit for feeding the latter bodily relative thereto and operable at a point remote therefrom, said feeding means including a plurality of independently operable ivindingdrums, and separate advance and receding feeding cables cooperating therewith for feeding and controlling the position of saidcutting unit during the cutting operation.

5. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit, and feeding means therefor for feeding the latter bodily relative thereto and operable at a point remote therefrom'including a driving ino-tor and a plurality of independently operable feed operating members drivenV thereby, and a. plurality of flexible feeding elements cooperating therewith, one of said elements constituting` the feeding element for said cutting unit While the other thereof constitutes a retarding element therefor.

6. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit,

and feeding means for said unit for feeding the latter bodily relative thereto and operable at a point remote therefrom including a feed operating member and a take-up member each adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means including advance and receding portions for feeding and controlling movement. of said cutting unit during the cutting operation. Y 7. In a. mining apparatus, a cutting unit having a driving motor, feeding means for said cutting unit for feeding the latte bodily relative thereto and operable at a point remote therefrom including a feed operating member and a reversible driving motor therefor, and controlling means for said cutting motor operable at a point adjacent said feeding means.

' 8. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit, and feeding means for said cutting unit operable at a point remote therefrom, said feeding means being adaptedto feed said cutting unit bodily relative thereto and including a plurality of independently operable feed operating members each adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding` means including advance and receding portions for feeding and controlling movement of said cutting unit during the cutting operation and a reversible driving motor therefor'.

9. 1n a mining apparatus, a cutting unit, and feeding means for said cutting unit operable at a point remote therefrom including a motor, said feeding means being adapted to feed said cutting unit bodily relative thereto and including a plurality of independently operable feed operating members driven thereby and each adapted to cooperate With flexible feeding means including advance and receding portions for feeding and controlling movement of said cutting unit during the cutting operation, and friction controlling means for said feed operating members.

10. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit, and feeding means for said cutting unit operable at a point remote therefrom, said feeding means being adapted to feed said cutting unit bodily relative thereto and including a motor, a plurality of independently operable feed operating members driven thereby and each adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means including advance and receding portions for feeding and controlling movement of said cutting unit during the cutting operation, and means for connecting said feed operating members in operative driving relation. with said motor including friction controlling means.

11. 1n a mining apparatus, a. cutting unit of the type slidable over the mine bottom during cutting, and feeding means for said cutting unit operable at a point remote therefrom for feeding said cutting unit bodily relative thereto and including a motor, a plurality of independently operable feed operating members driven thereby and cooperating flexible feeding means operatively connected to said cutting unit for feeding and controlling the latter during the cutting operation, and controlling means for said feed operating members including frictionally controlled reaction gearing.

12. 1n a mining apparatus, a cutting unit of the type slidable over the mine bottom during cutting, and feeding means for said cutting unit operable at a point remote therefrom for feeding said cutting unit bodily.

relative thereto and including a motor, a plurality of independently operable Winding drums driven thereby and cooperating flexible feeding means operatively connected to said cutting` unit for feeding and controlling the latter during the cutting operation, and frictional controlling means for said Winding drums.

13. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit of the type slidable over the mine bottom ing cutting, and feeding means for saidV cutting unit for feeding the latter bodily relative thereto and including a reversible driving motor, a Winding drum driven thereby and a cooperating flexible feeding element operatively connected to said cutting unit, and operative driving connections between said motor and drum including frictionally controlled gearing for variably controlling said winding drum to control the feeding speed of said cutting unit.

15. 1n a mining apparatus, a cutting unit of the type slidable over the mine bottom during cutting, and feeding means for said cutting unit for feeding the latter bodily relative thereto and including a reversible driving motor, a plurality of independently operable Winding drums driven thereby and cooperating flexible feeding means operatively connected to said cutting unit for feeding and controlling the latter during the cutting operation, and operative driving connections between said motor and drums including frictionally controlled gearing.

16. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit of the type slidable on the mine bottom during cutting, a transport truck therefor, and feeding means for said cutting unit operable to feed said cutting unit bodily laterally over kthe mine bottom at a cutting speed during the cutting operation, said feeding means being carried at all times by'said transport truck.

17. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit of the type slidable on the mine bottom during cutting, a transport truck therefor, and means for propelling said cutting unit bodily laterally over the mine bottom at a cutting speed during the cutting operation thereof comprising a separate propulsive mechanism permanently mounted on said transport truck.

18. 1n a mining apparatus, a cutting unit, a transport truck therefor, and feeding means for said cutting unit for feeding the latter bodily relative thereto and operable at a point remote'therefrom including a feeding device carried by said transport truck, said feeding device being operable to feed said cutting unit bodily laterally relative to the coal face at a cutting speed during the cutting operation.

19. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit,

a transport vtruck therefor, and feeding `means for said cutting unit operable to feed "cutting unit bodily relative thereto during the cutting operation and located at a point remotetherefrom comprising a separate propulsive mechanism carried by said transport truck, saidpropulsive mechanism including .a driving motor and a plurality of independently operable feed operating members driven thereby.

21,. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled transport truck adapted to run along a trackway, a cutting unit supported on said truck, and a propulsive mechanism for said truck including a plurality of independently operable winding propelling members powered independently of said cutting unit.

V22. In a mining apparatus, a transport truck, a cutting unit supported on said truck and adaptedy to cut a horizontal kerf in the mine wall when dismounted from said truck,

and a propulsion mechanism for said truck including a plurality of independently oper- ,able winding drums powered independently of said cutting unit. v

23. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled ltransport truck adapted to run .along a trackway, a cutting unit of the type adapted to move on a surface thereof directly on a mine bottom during cutting supported on said truck, and a propulsive mechanism for `saidtruck including af plurality yof independently operable propelling members powered independently of said cutting unit. 24. In a mining apparatus, a transport truck, a cutting unit of the type adapted to move on a surface thereof directly on a mine bottom during cutting supported on said truck, and a propulsive mechanism for said truck including a plurality of independently operable winding drums powered independently of said cutting unit, said propulsive mechanism being operative to feed said cutting unit during the cutting operation.

25. In a mining apparatus, a transport i truck, a cutting unit of the type adapted to move on .a surface thereof directly on a mine bottom during cutting supported on said truck, and a propulsive mechanism for said -truck including a plurality of independently operable windingdrums powered independently of said cutting unit Yand rotatable in opposite directions by power.

26. In'a mining apparatus, a transport truck, a cutting unit of the type adapted to move on a surface thereof directly on the mine bottom during cutting supported on said truck, and a propulsive mechanism for said truck including a drum powered independently of said cutting unit and rotatable in opposite directions by power, said propulsivemechanism being operative to'feed said ,cutting unit bodily laterally over the mine bottom at a cutting speed during the cutting operation.

27. In a mining apparatus, a transport truck, a cutting unit of the type adapted to move on a surface thereof directly on the mine bottom during cutting supported on said truck, and a propulsive mechanism for said truck including a drum powered indeendently of said cutting unitand a reversible driving motor therefor, said propulsive mechanism being operative to feed said cutting unit bodily laterall over the mine bottom at a cutting ,spee during the cutting operation.

2.8. In a mining apparatus, a transport truck, acutting unit of the type adapted to move on a. surface thereof directly on the mine bottom during cutting supported on said truck, and a propulsive mechanism for said truck including a flexible member, a c0- operating drum powered independently of said cutting unit, andy a reversible driving motor for said drum, said `flexible member being connectible to .said cutting unit for feeding the latter bodily laterally over the mine bottom at a cutting speed during the cutting operation.`

29. In a mining apparatus, a transport truck, a cutting unit of the type adapted to move on a surface thereof upon a mine bottom during cutting su ported .on said truck, and ka `propulsive mec y anism for said truck and said cutting unit including a plurality of flexible members, and a plurality of cooperating winding drums powered independently `of said cutting unit, said flexible members constituting .advance and receding portions for feeding and controlling movement of .said cutting unit during the cutting operation.

30. In a mining ap aratus, a transport truck, a cutting unit of the type adapted to move on a surface thereof upon a mine bottom during cutting supported on saidl truck, and a propulsive mechanism for said truck and said cutting unit for feeding the latter bodily laterally over the mine bottom at a cutting speed and for controlling movement thereof including a plurality of iiexible members operatively connectible to said cutting unit, a plurality of cooperating winding drums powered independently of said cutting unit, and means on said truck to guide said flexible members during movement thereof relative to said truck.

31. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled transport truck, a mining machine thereon, and means to feed said machine bodily laterally relative to the coal face at a cutting speed during cutting operable at a point remote cutting including an independent propulsive mechanism permanently mounted on said truck, said propulsive mechanism being adapted to propel said truck during transport.

33. In a mining' apparatus, a wheeled transport truck, a mining machine thereon of the type slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom during cutting, and means independent of the machine to feed said machine bodily laterally relative to the coal face at a cut-- ting speed during cutting` including an independent propulsive mechanism mounted on said truck, said propulsive mechanism being adapted to propel said truck in opposite directions during` transport.

34. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled transport truck, a mining machine thereon, and means to feed said machine bodily relative thereto and laterally relative to the coal face at a cutting speed during cutting operable at a point remote from said machine including a propulsive mechanism carried by said truck, said propulsive mechanism including an independently powered drum and a cooperating flexible cable, said propulsive mechanism being operatively connected to said truck wheels to propel the wheels of said truck during transport.

35. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled transport truck, a mining machine thereon, and means to feed said machine bodily relative thereto and laterally relative to the coal face at a cutting speed during cutting operable at a point remote from said machine including a propulsive mechanism carried by said truck, said propulsive mechanism including an independently powered drum and a cooperating flexible cable, said propulsive mechanism being operatively connected to the truck wheels to propel the wheels of said truck in opposite directions during transport.

36. In a mining apparatus, a transport truck, a cutting unit of the type comprising a A driving motor and adapted to move on surface thereof directly upon a mine bottom during cutting supported on said truck, and means independent of said motor including a plurality of flexible members adapted to be extended from said truck to a point in advance or in the rear thereof for propelling said truck in opposite directions relative to a traclway. l

37. In a mining apparatus, a transport truck, a cutting unit of the type comprising a driving motor and adapted to move on a surface thereof directly upon a mine bottom during cutting supported on said truck, and means independent of said motor and mounted on said truck including a plurality of relatively rotatable winding drums and cooperating flexible cables for propelling said truck, said drums being adapted to independently wind in their respective cables by power.

38. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled transport truck, a cutting unit thereon of the type adapted to move on a surface thereof directly upon a mine bottom during cutting, and a propulsive mechanism for said truck independent of said cutting unit including a plurality of independently powered winding drums mounted on said truck and cooperating cables, and means for varying the operation of said drums.

39. In a. mining apparatus, a wheeled transport truck, a cutting unit thereon of the type adapted to move on a surface thereof directly upon a mine bottom during cutting, and a propulsive mechanism for said truck independent of said cutting unit including a plurality of independently powered winding drums mounted on said truck and cooperating cables, and means for frictionally controlling said drums.

40. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled transport truck, a cutting unit thereon of the type adapted to move on a surface thereof directly upon a mine bottom during cutting, and a propulsive mechanism for said truck including a plurality of independently powered winding drums and cooperating cables, and means for controlling said drums including frictionally controlled reaction members.

1li. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled transport truck, a cutting unit thereon of the type adapted to move on a surface thereof directly upon a mine bottom during cutting, and a propulsive mechanism for said truck including a plurality of independently powered drums and cooperating` cables, means for variably controlling said drums, and means for braking said drums.

42. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled transport truck, a cutting unit thereon of the type slidable on a mine bottom during cutting, and a propulsive mechanism on said truck for feeding said cutting unit relative thereto bodily laterally over the mine bottom at a cutting speed during the cutting operation and for moving said truck along a trackway.

43. In a mining apparatus, a wheeled transport truck, a cutting unit thereon of the type slidable on a mine ybottom during cutting, and a propulsive mechanism on said truck for feeding said ycutting unit relativethereto bodily laterally over the mine bottom at a cutting speed during the cutting operation and for moving said truck in opposite directions along a traclrvvay.

fill. In a mining apparatus, a Wheeled transport truck, a cutting unit thereon of the type slidable on a mine bottom during cutting, and a propulsive mechanism on said truck for feeding said cutting unit bodily laterally over the mine bottom at a cutting speed during the cut-ting operation and for moving said truck in opposite directions along a trackvvay, said propulsive mechanism including a feed operating member powered .independently of said cutting unit.

45. In a mining apparatus, a Wheeled trans.- port truck, a .cutting unit thereon of the type slidable on a mine bottom during cutting, and a propulsion mechanism on said truck for feeding said cutting unit bodily laterally over ,the mine bottom at a cutting speed during the cutting operation and for moving said truck in opposite directions along a tracliway, said propulsive mechanism including a Winding drum powered independently of said cutting unit and a flexible feeding elcment .cooperating with said drum.

46. In a mining apparatus, al Wheeled transport truck, a cutting unit thereon, said cutting unit being adaptedto be unloaded from said truck to operate while supported independent-ly thereof, and a propulsive mechanism separate from said cutting unit for propelling said cutting unit bodily later-ally relative .to the coal face at a cutting speed during cutting and for propelling said 'truck along a trackivay, said propulsiva mechanism including a reversible motor and frictionally controlled gearing. i

47. In a mining apparatus, a cutting lunit .adapted to be fed laterally .over the mine bottoniduring cutting, and feeding means for said cutting unit for feeding the latter bodily relative thereto and operable at a point remote therefrom including a feed .operating member and va controlling member., and separate advance and receding flexible feeding elements .cooperating with said members for `feeding and controlling movement of said cuttingl unit during the `cutting operation.

48. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit K:ulapted :to be fed laterally 4*over the mine bottom during cutting., and feeding means for vsaid cutting` nnitfor feeding the latter bodily relative thereto and operable a-ta point remote therefrom including` a feeding drum and ya `controlling drunnand a separate advance and receding feeding cables cooperating Witli said drums for feeding and controlling movement of said cutting" unit during the rcutting operation.

49. In la mining apparatus, a cutting unit adapted lto be Afed laterally over` the mine bottom during cutting, said cutting unit having a body slidable vover the mine bottom and rigid cutter bar extending lengthwi lll'eof during cutting, and feeding means for Slid cutting unit for feeding the latter bodily relative thereto and laterally over the mine bottom at a cutting speed comprising a pro.- pnl sive mechanism relative to which said cutting unit is adapted bodily to move, and including a feed operating member and a `rCooperating flexible feeding member operatively connected to said ,cutting unit.

50. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit :ilapted to cut in opposite directions, and feeding means for said cutting unit for feeding the latter bodily relativeto said feeding means and .operable at a point remote from said cutting unit including a feed operating inenziber and a flexible feeding member coop: rating therewith, said feeding member being selectively connectible to said cutting unit at a plurality of different points during feed of said ,cutting unit in .opposite directions.

In a mining apparatus, a .cutting unit adapted to cut in .opposite direlions, and feeding means for said fcutting unit for feeding the lat-ter bodily relative to said feeding means and operable at a point reInOtG ,from said cutting unit including a feed operating mem`.er and a tlfk ble feeding element {cooperating therewith, said feeding element having its free end selectively connectible to said cutting unit ata plurality of points .dur-

ing feed of said cutting unit in .oppOSte d directions.

52. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit, and feeding means for said cutting unit for feeding the latter bodily relative to ysaid feeding means and operable at ,a point remote from said cutting unit including a plurality of feed operating members and .cooperating flexible feeding elements for feeding and .controlling movement of said cutting unit during the cuttingv operation, `said feeding elements being ,connectible at their free ends to ysaid cutting unit at a plurality of points.

53. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit ad( ,pted to be fed laterally over the mine bottom during cutting, and feeding means for said cutting unit including a feeding member and a controlling member, Aand separate flexible feeding elements cooperating With Vnudite? in and a controlling member, and a plurality of flexible feeding elements cooperating therewith, one of said feeding elements being connectible to said cutting unit at the front advancing side thereof and constituting an advance feeding portion While the other feeding element is conneetible to said cutting unit at the rear receding end thereof and constituting a receding controlling portion.

55. ln a mining apparatus, a Wheeled transport truck, a cutting unit thereon having a driving motor, said cutting unit being of the type adapted to be fed over the mine bottom during cutting, a propulsive mechanism carried on saidL truck including an independently powered truck driving element also having a driving motor, and manually operable control means carried by said truck for controlling the motor of said cutting unit and said propulsive mechanism.

56. ln a mining apparatus, a Wheeled transport truck for a cutting unit having a frame so constructed that a cutting unit can be mounted thereon or dismounted therefrom at Will to operate While supported independently of the truck, a cutting unit thereon, means for propelling said truck including a reversible mot-or independent of said cutting unit and mounted on said truck and operative driving connections between said motor and the truck Wheels, and means driven by said motor for feeding said cutting unit bodily laterally relative to the coal face at a cuttingspeed.

57. In a mining apparatus, a Wheeled transport truck for a cutting unit having a frame so constructed that a cutting unit can be mounted thereon or dismounted therefrom at will to operate While supported independently of the truck, a cutting unit thereon, means for propelling said truck in opposite directions along a trackivay including a reversible motor independent of said cutting unit and mounted on said truck and operative driving connections between said motor and the truck Wheels including a clutch for interrupting said driving connections during running of said motor, and means driven by said motor for feeding said cutting unit bodily laterally relative to the coal face at a cutting speed.

58. ln a mining apparat-us, a Wheeled transport truck, a cutting unit thereon of the type slidable on the mine bottom during cutting and While dismounted from said truck, and a propulsive mechanism permanently mounted on said truck including a common motor for propelling said cutting unit bodily laterallyV over the mine bottom at a cutting speed during the cutting operation and for moving said truck along a traclvvay.

59. ln a mining apparatus, a Wheeled transport truck, a cutting unit thereon of the type slidable on the mine bottom during cutting, and a propulsive mechanism permanently mounted on said truck including a common peiling said @uit unit bodily laterally over the mine bottom at a cutting speed during the cutting o-peration and for moving said truck in opposite directions along a traclrway.

60. ln a mining apparatus, a truck adapted to slidably receive a mining machine and having running gear, a Winding drum on said truck adapted to cooperate with flexible means to effect truck movement, a motor permanently mounted on said truck, and operator controllable gearing common to the drive of both said drum and running gear constantly connecting said motor with said running gear and With said drum and alternatively operable to drive said running gear and said drum, said drum being adapted to be rendered inoperative during running of said motor and Without disconnecting said gearing therefrom.

(il. ln a mining apparatus, a cutting unit of the type slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a transport truck therefor adapted to run along a trackvvay laid perpendicular to the Working face, and feeding means carried at all times by said truck for feeding said cutting unit bodily laterally over the mine bottom transversely across the Working face of the coal.

(32. ln a mining apparatus, a cutting unit of the type slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a transport truck therefor adapted to run along a traclvvay laid perpendicular to the Working face, and feeding means carried at all times by said truck for feeding said cutting unit bodily laterally over the mine bottom transversely across the Working face of the coal including an independently powered feed operating member and cooperating flexible feeding means operatively connected to said cutting unit.

63. In a mining apparatus, a cutting unit of the type slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a transport truck therefor adapted to run along a traclrway laid perpendicular to the Working face, and feeding means carried at all times by said truck for feeding said cutting unit bodily laterally over the mine bottom transversely across the Working face of the coal including a plurality of independently powered feed operating members and cooperating flexible feeding means including advance and receding flexible feeding portions operatively connected to said cutting unit.

Get. In a mining apparatus, a Wheeled transport truck, a mining machine thereon, and means to feed said machine bodily relative thereto and laterally relative to the coal face at a cutting speed during the cutting operation operable at a point remote from said machine including an independently powered drum mounted on said truck, a driving motor therefor, gearing connecting said incr a flexible cable iwi-iperateen t edto saidcntting unit, and means driven by said motor through said gearing for driving the Wheels of said truck duringv transport.

65. In a mining apparatus, a Wheeled transport truck, a mining machine thereon, means independent of said machine to feed said machine bodily relative thereto and laterally relative to the coal faee at a cutting speed during the cutting operation includ ing an independent propulsive mechanism permanently'mounted on said truck and including a driving motor, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means and driving gearing between said motorand said feed operating member, and means driven b v said motor through said gearing for driving the Wheels of said truck during transport.

In testimony whereof` I affix mv signature.

CHARLES F. OISGOOD. 

